It’s that time again, when tales of ghouls and ghosts and haunted houses appear everywhere.

Two haunted houses have recently crept into Ames. One haunted venue, Goreville Manor, is making its annual ghastly appearance on Oct. 25 and 26 from 7 p.m. to midnight.

Goreville Manor is located at the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity house at 203 Ash Ave.

Lambda Chi Alpha has turned its house inside and out and teamed up with Gamma Phi Beta to present a spook-filled maze and some scary skits.

Ben Cady, a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and Goreville co-chair, said there would be a few events taking place in front of the house to help pass the time for those waiting in line.

“I want to see it go well,” Cady said.

This year represents Lambda Chi Alpha’s 21st year for creating Goreville Manor. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Convalescent Home for Children Foundation in Johnston for the Children’s Habilitation Center.

The center takes care of youngsters with severe disabilities and chronic health conditions, said Frank Nowasell, vice president for development at the center.

Nowasell said all the money received from Lambda Chi Alpha since its first donation in 1989 has been used for purchasing pieces of equipment and other special items that the center cannot normally afford.

“To date they have contributed over $13,000,” Nowasell said.

The Ames Jaycees and 107.1 KCCQ will also be spooking the neighborhood with the Haunted House Spooktacular on Oct. 23 – 26, and 28 – 31.

KCCQ is “keeping the awareness high” with ticket giveaways and live broadcasts, said Mark Pitz, operations director of KCCQ.

The house is open to all ages and uses shock value instead of gore and violence for surprise, said Dan Foor, marketing vice president for the Ames Jaycees.

The shock-value approach is used because many people don’t like the violence that appears in other haunted houses, he said.

This year’s haunted house features moving walls, fake doors and illusions.

In its opening weekend on Oct. 18 and 19, the Haunted House Spooktacular had a turnout of more than 400 people.

“We appreciate their support,” Foor said. He said the haunted house is one of their big fund raisers for the year.

All proceeds from the event will be used to fund such activities as fireworks shows and taking elderly individuals out on Christmas light tours. Some of the money will also be given to various foundations.

The Haunted House Spooktacular is located at the Cyclone Auto/Truck Plaza on Highway 30 at the Dayton Ave. interchange.

Tickets for Goreville Manor are $3 adults and $2 for children. Tickets for Haunted House Spooktacular are $5 per person.